Israel plans construction of manmade island

Wednesday, March 14, 2007 |
by Staff Writer

Israel is planning on constructing a manmade island off the coast of Tel Aviv. The project, initiated by Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, would see the manmade island built between 1.5-2.5 kilometers off the Tel Aviv shoreline, constituting approximately 250 acres.

Environmentalists oppose the idea claiming there would be severe repercussions. “Building artificial islands off of Israel’s shores constitutes a serious environmental risk and uncertainty,” said Yael Dori, a coordinator for the Israel Union for Environmental Defense.

The Tel Aviv municipality and the Transportation Ministry also hope to build a new airport that would allow planes to land on the island, which would also replace its Sde Dov airfield.

While government agencies prefer the island be used as an airfield, the committee that reviewed the plans for an island understood it was to be used as a power station. There are a total of 13 purposes to be used for the island, an airport ranked ninth.

“In light of the density in Tel Aviv vicinity, there will eventually be no choice but to transfer Sde Dov to the sea,” the Tel Aviv municipality said.

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